I have this secret dream to be one of those extreme couponers. Seriously, I try everything I can to save a penny. I celebrate a BOGO, I triumph over a good mark down, and I go gaga for a good discount code. I’ll be the first to admit that my savings plan probably shakes at it knees compared to some of the super savers I know out there. But my thought is that any amount of money I can save is a better than saving nothing! Today I’m sharing with you some of the things I do to save money while enjoying my time at Disney World. Let’s get started with 5 tips for magical Disney World savings!
1. Split a meal
Alright, don’t abandon me on this one. I’ve found that Disney dishes up more than enough for one person to enjoy. Splitting a meal is a great way to watch the waist and the wallet! I’ve even split a dish at a table service restaurant (I asked first, I know some restaurants don’t like you to do that or will charge to split the plates).
With all the eating there is to do at Disney, splitting a meal is a really good choice. I leave feeling satisfied and not stuffed to the gill. There’s always going to be room for a salted carmel from Karamell-Kuche!
2. Pack snacks
Packing snacks to bring with you into the parks is a great way to save money. I won’t say that I go as far as making no snack purchase throughout the day, but I do pack a few snacks to satisfy the low blood sugar grumpiness and pre-dinner belly grumbles. Packing a few snacks and a bottle of water is a great way to save money in the parks (no Mickey Bars will be harmed in the home packing nature of the aforementioned snacks).
3. Go for water
Ordering water (and not bottled water) is a great way to realize Disney World savings. When the average soda costs around $2.00 at a typical (non-Disney restaurant), you can bet that you’ll be paying a pretty penny in the parks. Skipping a soda will allow you to save (or splurge) in other ways! Water is free and it is good for the body! Go H2O!
4. Take advantage of FREE souvenirs
Saving on souvenirs is hard, especially when you’re me and you have a teensy problem with buying Disney merchandise like it’s going out of style. One way that I save on souvenirs is to plan out my purchases during the week and buy on the last day (OK, so that doesn’t always work out so well). I also take advantage of “freebies” like the drawings you get to take home from the Animation Academy, or stickers from throughout the park, or a Duffy Bear on a stick from EPCOT. I won’t say that it is impossible to come out of Disney World without buying one thing, although it is VERY hard for me to do this. I try my best to take advantage of a good deal when I can and capitalize on the free!
5. BYO
BYO…that means Bring Your Own! That’s right; I’m talking about the incidentals that could quickly accrue on your credit card. From ponchos to fans, sunglasses to sunscreen and everything in between, packing your own items can save you a lot of money! People might call you an over packer when you stuff a poncho in your park bag (on a seemingly sunny day), but they’ll be super jealous when you whip that bad boy out in the middle of a Florida monsoon. Save money, think smart!
I hope these tips have caused you to think about how little things can lead to big Disney World savings. It isn’t about not having fun, it’s just about saving a few bucks when you can! What are your best tips to save money in the parks? You be the expert in the comment section below! Share your Disney World savings tips with us all, my frugal friends!
Until next time, keep it magical!
Ashley is the author of Disney: Done Right Blog and a writer for Chip and Co. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter!
